America

Has it really been three weeks already? Apparently is has. And nearly 7,500 miles later, we are back in Dominica.

Our trip started off uneventful thank goodness. We made it Charlotte for an overnight on our way to Vegas. We got to Vegas, and made our way to Bally's, the host hotel. Side note, there was a restaurant as we were exiting our plane that had Diet Coke, so you can be I can a fountain Coke as soon as possible.

From there, Vegas was a blur. I worked and worked, and Matt, well, he worked a bit too. It was his responsibility to go to Starbucks and then McDonald's every day to make sure the staff was well hydrated with caffeine and Dt. Coke of course. He definitely helped around in other various areas, but most important was the drinks! I had one afternoon off, so we did a bit of sightseeing together.

In the limo from the airport.

View from our room.

Bellagio Gardens

It was so great to be reunited with my other co-workers and to be in America. We worked hard, but it was great company.

So while I was working, Matt picked out a new restaurant to go to every day for lunch. And then he would tell me how good it was. I got to live vicariously through his Vegas experience.

From Vegas, we made the trip back to Indiana. I nearly got tackled by this little handsome stud. Although, he is not as little as I seem to remember. When I asked him what happened that he got so tall, he just said, "Nothing happened, Mimi!"

Four months is a long time to go without seeing family for me, so it was so wonderful to have my parents, Sheila and Landon there greeting us with open arms. We got our bags and headed to McAlister's for some much needed taco salad and chicken tortilla soup - and sweet tea. And the beautiful Erin Medjeski!

And then it was back to Shipshewana. It's funny how when you go home, it feels like you never left at all. Everything just falls back into place.

We had a week of appointments, shopping and delicious food. Matt spent a few days in Laporte as well. We got to snuggle with our Emmy who is doing very well considering her diagnosis.

Our evenings were spent with family dinners and entertaining Landon. He is getting quite snarky as his new sayings are, "Seriously?!" and "She's aggravating me." He's four. We're in for trouble.

He also said that when he grows up he's going to be a farmer. And if God made him a wife, he would be a husband. Did your heart just melt?

My bouquet of flowers.

Landon also got some new kittens. Four kittens to be exact. And the momma cat. He named the momma cat Lassie, and then named the kittens, Laya, Jeremy and Jill. One is still to be named. I love this kid.

My Aunt Pam makes the most delicious scotcharoos, which are my favorite. And made some for Matt's birthday. Well, we got them when Matt was in Laporte. It was almost too much for Landon to handle to have those scotcharoos sitting there with no one eating them. So he said in the most desperate little voice, "Do you think Uncle Matt would let me have one because I'm his little buddy." I think he could've gotten the whole batch with that plea.

The weather was perfect, so we played ball, golf and a few rousing games of Chutes and Ladders. We also had the grill out a few times, so we could get the full America experience.

Landon also figured out how to take pictures and videos on my phone. Which was a good time for all.

Our short week in Indiana quickly came to an end. We left for the Detroit airport around 12:45 a.m. on Friday. Our flight was scheduled to leave around 6:30 a.m. However, they discovered a faulty tire and delayed us, then changed planes. We were delayed about 90 minutes. Which was exactly our connection time to our flight to St. Maartin. Thankfully, US Air held the connection long enough for us to run to the other end of the terminal as that was the last flight to St. Maartin that day. Crisis 1 avoided.

Upon arriving in St. Maartin, we thought we weren't going to get any bags because our quick connection. However, we got three and went to the counter to post a claim for our fourth bag. As we were in waiting, our lonely bag came through on the belt. Apparently they forgot to put it on the belt. Crisis number two avoided.

So we grabbed our bags, and had to recheck through Liat. We went to the counter, and Liat didn't have our reservation. I had confirmed our reservation before we left, so I was sure it was just a user error. We went to the ticket counter, and the man said that our reservation was cancelled.

What!? We never cancelled that reservation. He gave us a print out receipt, that credited our 'refund' to a guy named Sanjay out of New York. We don't know anyone from New York or anyone named Sanjay.

The next open flight he offered to put us on after we purchased tickets again was Monday night.

Talk about feeling stuck. It was an awful feeling. For awhile, our wifi didn't work. We had no phone. Nothing to help us get out of this awful situation. Well, our wifi started working and Sheila got on the phone with CheapOAir who we booked through.

In the meantime, I spoke with some of the other airlines who fly through to Dominica. One chartered flight would be $3,200 to get out on Saturday. And another would be $600 to get on standby for Saturday.

While waiting, I spoke with another Liat gentleman who was a little more helpful. He went back to the ticketing office and spoke with the man there. He came back to us and said to stay where we were (like we had anywhere else to go) and that they were going to try and get us on. I gave that man a hug.

About 20 minutes later, they both came back with tickets. I hugged both of them. We quickly went to check in to get boarding passes in hand and then made our way through security. I wasn't going to give anyone any time to cancel our tickets.

I'm still not sure what happened. But I'm sure it was Cheap0Air's mistake. We've heard other's who have had problems with them as well. Lesson learned, don't book with CheapOAir.

Thank goodness we had that six hour layover in St. Maartin we were dreading. So, we boarded our dinky Liat flight and headed to Dominica. After three hours, Crisis 3 avoided.

We landed safely. Got through customs and immigration and then waited for our bags. Liat's weight restrictions are strict, so we had to pick one of our bags each to fly priority and the other flew standby. So when all of our bags showed up, we were shocked!

Our taxi was there waiting for us and we made it to our new apartment. So after being awake for hours upon end and a stress filled day of travel, we were exhausted. The security guard had our keys for us. He helped with our bags, tossing two on his head and grabbing the third, and marched up the three flights of stairs. We sprawled our suitcases across the floor and we went straight to bed.

Saturday was spent organizing and packing. And after that, we were still exhausted, so it was an early night.

We got pretty much everything settled and put away. We absolutely love our new apartment. It feels so much more like a home than a dorm room. We have incredible water pressure and hot water. And we have this stunning view.

So now, Matt is getting ready to start Semester Two on Monday! We're off to enjoy our last day of calm before settling into the new routine again.

Freeport!

Editors note: I am exhausted and working on a bare minimum amount of sleep. So pardon this blog if there are types and times when it makes absolutely no sense. :) 

We are finally in Freeport! We left Shipshewana for Chicago O'Hare around 10 p.m. Shipshewana time after many tearful goodbyes, Emmy included. Our flight departed O'Hare and we arrived in Philadelphia around 9 a.m. From there, we flew out to Freeport and arrived around 12:30 p.m.

I handled the flights pretty well I must say. Plus, they were smooth flights, so that certainly helped (Thank you US Airways!).

Not to mention these amazing views from flying into Grand Bahama Island. Those turquoise waters are calling my name.

The Freeport airport is what you might except for a small island airport. Certainly very welcoming.

We even managed to get all of our luggage! So after an easy process going through customs, we had a very nice woman from Ross pick us up and take us to Sunset. Unfortunately, our apartment isn't ready yet, so they have put us in another empty apartment until its ready. We are hoping to be in there before noon tomorrow. We certainly need to unpack and get ready for everything to come.

So, after not having access to our apartment, and having no idea where to get food or groceries, we were feeling at quite a loss for what to do for dinner, plus we are just so exhausted, we don't really feel like going out anywhere to explore.

But, we did know that the grocery store is not too far from our apartment, so we asked our landlord how to get there. His response was such an answer to our prayers! He said simply and warmly, come with me. And led Matt and I to his car where he drove us to the grocery. He also showed Matt the way to get to campus. He dropped us off at the grocery and told us he would be back to pick us up in 25 minutes. How absolutely wonderful! He has offered to show us around a bit more tomorrow after we had a chance to rest. It is such a relief to be in a place where we can feel comfortable and have genuinely nice people here to welcome us to our new home for four months.

Plus - extra bonus! We get the NBC news station from Florida! You know what that means?! My inner news nerd can still watch the Today Show. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to that for sure.

I'll be sure and post more pictures of Freeport, and our actual apartment once we get in and unpacked.

A huge thank you is owed for all of the well-wishes, support, words of encouragement and prayers. They were certainly felt during our trip.

We miss you all already!

And we're off..

This will be our last post before we leave! Yikes!

We've strategically packed and weighed our suitcases - (49.5 pounds!) two each, plus two carry-ons.

We'll turn our phones off once we arrive in Freeport, but will have access to the internet before then. Hopefully. So we'll be able to update you with photos!

Prayers for safe/anxiety-free travels will be much appreciated!

On another note, all of the rain we've got has been such a blessing. It has been such a drought, so we are certainly grateful for whatever amount of rain we do get. However, this little pup is not excited about the storms.

My sweet little Emmy is terrified of storms - shaking, panting and a few piddles here and there. Poor girl! So, when it does storm, I get a scared, shaking puppy under my desk. I sure will miss that.

See you in the Bahamas!

Snoring, Pretzels and Beanie Babies

Matt and I are getting settled here in Shipshe for the next couple of weeks. (For all of the non-locals - Shipshe is 'local slang' for Shipshewana.). We're staying with my parents until we fly out July 28! Two weeks - ahhh! Matt's going to LaPorte this week to see his friends and family, and then visiting his brother up in Michigan next week. I'll still be working, so I'll be here!

We're all getting settled and used to being here together - that includes Emmy. Here's a glance at her giving my mom 'the look' when mom tries to sit in Emmy's chair. How dare she?!

As I said, I'm still working, so we set up an additional desk in the den for my office space. Matt is still finishing up a paper, so he's taken over as well. Here's a look at our comfy 'office' for the next couple of weeks.

Yes - you are seeing correctly. That IS a Beanie Baby in the top, right corner. I know, I know, it's NOT in a protective case so it's getting dirty. But have no fear, we do have the plastic tag protector on it, so it won't bend and lose the value completely. Oh the nineties.. 

You'll also notice Emmy sleeping soundly next to my desk. That's where she was most of the day. And let me tell you, her snoring was out of control.  And I thought Matt was bad....

But one look at that face, and its all over. Love it.

For lunch, Matt and I went to a staple here in Shipshewana - Jo Jo's Pretzels. Whole wheat pretzel with a fountain Dt. Vanilla Coke. All. You. Need.

Take a bite of this Auntie Ann.  

Then this afternoon, Uncle Matt took Landon to the park. I'm not sure who had more fun. Bonus - they made sure take plenty of pictures for Aunt Mimi!

Big day tomorrow! Really looking forward to turning 21....again.

We're fairly ready for the move, just have some major shopping to do, then packing all over again. We're just trying to enjoy this two weeks as much as possible, without getting too many grey hairs!

Bye Bye Indy

Today we packed up and moved out of our apartment in Indy. It still seems like not too long ago I moved out of this small town to the big city to take on a new adventure. Now, I'm moved back, getting ready to take on another big adventure.

Indy is where Matt and I met, where we made life-long friends, and where we made our first home together. You've been a great city, Indy, and a part of us will always be there.

Many, MANY thanks is owed to our family and friends for helping with the big move today - especially in the sweltering summer heat. Here's a look at what the day entailed.

Made sure to label all of my belongings!

Taping up our final box.

The loading begins.

We thought we'd take him, too!

Check out that view.

Adorable.

The best little helper. Notice the sweat? He really did work hard!

And of course we had to have a little fun.

And after a full day of packing, and then traveling for three hours just to unload it all, this is how we all feel....

So now, we have two weeks until we leave for Freeport. I'm sure these will be the fastest two weeks. So we'll spend this time with our families and celebrate my birthday on the 17th! Take note!

'Ruff' Monday

Monday mornings are never easy. Apparently especially for my sweet Emmy dog.

As I was getting ready this morning, I looked over to realize Emmy was STILL in bed while Matt and I were already up and getting ready for the week ahead. Don't judge, but yes, we do have a body pillow at the foot of our bed for Emmy. And yes, she does snuggle under the covers and acts like she is a person. And yes, it is adorable. 

She is my baby though. And I have no qualms about spoiling her. She certainly deserves it. 

Side note - this is what happens when you pack up all of your kitchen utensils and you need to open a canned item for dinner. What else do you do but bring out the pliers?

Weekend of Goodbyes

This weekend was filled with many goodbyes.  It's been easy to get wrapped up in the thought of moving away from friends, family and Emmy to this country we've never been to and be swooped into a negative spiral. But through these goodbyes, I certainly got a look at what we have been blessed with. So, here goes, and I'll try not to get too sappy.

Friday night I had a send-off party with my office. Working with these ladies, and few token males, has been such a blessing. There's not much I can say to convey the appreciation for the opportunities I've been afforded working here. I know I'll keep in close contact after the move, but it will be hard not seeing everyone in the office nearly every day.

Our sweet Emmy dog also got freshly groomed on Friday night. Doesn't she look great?!

Emmy is my baby. I am having a very hard time coping with the fact that I have to leave her. Just look at those sweet eyes - do you blame me? She brings such joy to Matt and I. We are lucky to have her and thankful to know that she will be taken care of while we're gone.

Saturday, I  got my hair cut at the best salon in Indy, Salon Orange Moon with Jess! (If you're ever in Indy, and need a fresh look, you MUST check them out. You can't go wrong with anyone in there!) I will certainly miss coming in and visiting, as an afternoon with Jess will always put me in good spirits.

We also had a going away party with our friends Saturday night. It was a very bittersweet night seeing so many of our friends all together again. It certainly feels like 'home' whenever we are all together. We are so thankful for our wonderful friends and all of the happy memories we have made together.

This morning, we got our 'mug and a hug' from Pastor Ryan at First Mennonite. We get the official coffee mug, hug and best wishes from our congregation. First Mennonite welcomed Matt and I with such open arms when we first started coming!

After church, my sister, her husband and my favorite little guy, Landon, came for lunch. Of course, after lunch, we had to visit the pool.

What a cutie?! Seriously - that ornery grin, floaties and dinosaur trunks are just too much cuteness for one photo. Love this little guy. And he certainly knows how to get whatever he wants from his Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt.  After a hard afternoon at the pool - what better way to rejuvenate than with frozen yogurt. As Landon would say, it's delicious - and I know my licious.

 The rest of our afternoon consisted of some downtime - watching the Wimbledon recap and napping with the husband and Emmy dog. That is certainly a blessing.